Alright lads, let's dive into the 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) formation in FC25. This is the most fun I've had with a narrow formation, and I'm gonna break down the tactics and player instructions to get you winning.
Formation and Build-Up
The build-up style is set to Balanced. I've experimented with Short Passing, and it can be useful when you're under pressure, but Balanced just works best for me.
For Depth, I use 61. You can adjust this to your preference, but I don't recommend going below 61 because you can get stuck in your own box. Anywhere from 61 to 75 is the sweet spot for this formation.
Player Instructions
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper. If you have a keeper with Sweeper Keeper Plus or Plus Plus, use it. You'll get the best animations.
- Fullbacks: Both on "Stay Back While Attacking". I've tried Wing Back and Support, which can be nice, but you're more vulnerable to counters. If you want to be more attacking later in games, I would change this to Wing Back and Support, mainly because this is what you'll see Wing back and support and they'll stop a step into that Midfield position which is really really nice. For the most part, if you're controlling the game, Fall Back and Defend is really nice and you get a lot more solidity.
- Center Backs: Both on "Defend". It's the best in the game, in my opinion. People experiment with Deep Line Playmaker or Ball Playing Defender and Stopper, but Defender is the best with the stamina.
- CDM: "Holding" and "Defend". This player is the base of your midfield. You need someone who can stick a tackle in.
- Central CMs: "Playmaker" and "Balanced". Their job is to move up and down the pitch, going into the wide areas. They'll go anywhere from the middle of the park to wide. They are probably the most important players in this team because they are going to create a lot. I recommend you've got players that can stick a tackle in this position, but their main job is just going to be getting forward and supporting with those attacking plays.
- CAM: "Playmaker" and "Balanced". This needs to be your best finisher. They'll kind of sit in the middle and they'll kind of force payas and guaro to own the right and the left hand side so payas will stay more left and then guaro will stay more right. You need them to be good at everything. I recommend having some of the can really really dribble really score and is able to pass the ball.
- Strikers: Both on "Advance Forward" and "Attack". You want out-and-out killers in these positions. I recommend having a left-footed player on the left and a right-footed player on the right for those cross-body shots. They're still the best way to score consistently. The only time I wouldn't do this is if you have a player with the Finesse Shot Plus trait, like Griezmann or Son. In that case, you want them on their strong foot on the inside.
Team Selection and Substitutions
- Center Backs: I don't recommend having someone that's not lengthy in Center back, but I do it all the time. I do recommend having at least one sub for one of your fullbacks, especially if you've got one that doesn't have Relentless.
- CDM: You want a bruiser here. Have a replacement for your CDM, especially if they get tired.
- Central CMs: I recommend having someone that you can change on for these attacking CMs.
- CAM: Try not to sub this player off, as they are that good.
- Strikers: Pace isn't overly important. I love the Finisher chem style because it boosts the attacking positioning of your striker a lot as well as the finishing. Having a striker replacement is important.
Chem Styles
For defensive midfielders, I recommend using the Guardian chem style. It gives a massive boost to defensive awareness, standing tackle, sliding tackle, and interceptions. It also boosts dribbling stats, making them more "crispy".
General Gameplay Tips
- This formation is all about controlling the midfield and creating chances through your CMs and CAM.
- Use the width of your CMs to stretch the play and open up space for your strikers.
- Don't be afraid to use those cross-body shots!
- Pace isn't everything this year. Positioning and technical ability are key.